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ESA, NASA and an international team are developing plans and seeking recommendations to launch the first Mars mission to bring soil samples back to Earth. The ability to study soil from Mars here on Earth will contribute significantly to answering questions about the possibility of life on the Red Planet.
Original post by Interactions Webmaster
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On 28 December, it will be two years since GIOVE-A - the first Galileo satellite - was launched by a Soyuz rocket from Baikonur, in Kazakhstan. This satellite demonstrates the progress Europe has made in setting up its own navigation system.
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Enhancing interoperability during European civil protection operations is the objective of an ESA project named Decision. In the context of this project, field trials were held in Chartres, France, focusing on satellite solutions to improve cooperation between civil protection agencies in crisis theatres - whether they occur in Europe or outside.
Original post by Interactions Webmaster
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Scientists have gotten their best look ever at the invisible ring of energetic ions trapped in Saturn’s giant magnetic field. They find that it is asymmetric and dynamic, unlike similar rings that appear around Earth.
For more information follow this link
Original post by Interactions Webmaster
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German student Nicole Schmiedel has come up with a design for a trendy-looking wristwatch that contains an innovative ultra-light insulin pump to help people with type 1 diabetes. The watch produces its own electricity thanks to the use of piezo-electric technology originally developed for European satellites.
Original post by Interactions Webmaster
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The role of Earth Observation satellites in combating climate change is being highlighted at the United Nations climate change conference where thousands of delegates from more than 180 countries are gathered to begin negotiations of an international emissions-cutting agreement to succeed the Kyoto Protocol, whose first commitment period ends in 2012.
Original post by Interactions Webmaster
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Crude oil from the wrecked 146 000-ton tanker, Hebei Spirit, is seen polluting the sea off South Korea in this Envisat image.
Original post by Interactions Webmaster
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This summer, Mars suffered a titanic dust storm that engulfed the entire planet. The dust storm contributed to a temporary warming effect around Mars, which raised the temperature of the atmosphere by around 20-30°C.
Original post by Interactions Webmaster
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Spectacular images and data from the Hinode mission have shed new light on the Sun’s magnetic field and the origins of solar wind, which can disrupt power grids, satellites and communications on Earth.
Original post by Interactions Webmaster
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A prototype of the P80 rocket motor, which will power the first stage of ESA’s new small launcher - Vega, was successfully tested on 4 December at the Guiana Space Centre, Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Ignition occurred at 12:35 local time (15:35 UTC/GMT).
Original post by Interactions Webmaster
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A new map obtained with SMART-1 data shows the geography and illumination of the lunar north pole. Such maps will be of great use for future lunar explorers.
Original post by Interactions Webmaster
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Mars is at its closest to Earth all year.
Additional resources (external links):
StarDate Online Sky Almanac (University of Texas McDonald Observatory)
Sky Maps and Notes (BBC: Science & Nature)
Original post by lightsources.org
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